FVoTW: Randy Peukert’s Jeep JK Unlimited

The build-out of any truck is a project fraught with potential missteps. It is a process which first starts with a genuine inner assessment of the driver as much as a critical evaluation of the vehicle. How to best inventory the needs of the owner and manifest those attributes in metal is tricky business. It’s all too easy to get pie-eyed and overly ambitious, the end result a truck with more features than can be used with any utility.

For this week’s featured vehicle, we take a close look at Randy Peukert’s stunning Jeep JK Unlimited Rubicon. It is an exemplary build showcasing the important balance between driver wants realized with just the right amount of thoughtful vehicle modification. Randy is an avid backcountry traveler as well as an aviation professional. His Jeep is more than just a daily driver or recreational toy, it’s also deployed in the field to facilitate off-airport helicopter landing operations. That work and play design objective has been perfectly executed with help from the modification experts at Adventure Trailers in Prescott, Arizona. A hallmark of an AT build is a dedication to detail, and that can be seen in every aspect of this Jeep.

Many of the big bits on Randy’s Jeep were sourced from the Jeep gurus at American Expedition Vehicles. The wheels, oversized snorkel, 3.5” suspension, and heat reduction hood are all AEV products. The bumpers and rock guards are by Expedition One and the tires are Falken Wild Peak All Terrains. The Garvin 3/4 rack was chosen to allow the removal of the Freedom top panels, but still provide enough additional storage for three RotopaX fuel containers as well as additional gear. The Warn 9.5 Ti winch is spooled with synthetic rope for situations that can’t be overcome with the G2 4.88 gears.

While the heavy mechanicals are impressive, it’s the electrical additions and creature comforts that are often the most difficult to execute. Randy’s off-airport duties require his vehicle to be equipped with orange safety lights. Adventure Trailers came up with an ingenious solution in the form of hinged LED lights which can be deployed in seconds. They also can be used as an additional light source. AT also installed a Tuffy security box, full set of drawers, a slide-out partner stove, Engle MT-45 fridge/freezer, and a stainless steel and bamboo kitchen work station on the tailgate. A hot water system is fed by a 13 gallon reservoir and a 120 watt solar panel provides auxiliary camp power. Hard to believe, but that doesn’t cover all of the fine appointments of Randy’s Jeep.

Truk Lite LED headlamps not only work great, they look fantastic.

The hinged safety lights front and rear are testiment to the ingenuity at work at Adventure Trailers. Personalized solutions, executed with this level of proficiency, are what set them above the competition.

What we appreciate most about this build is not just the number of smart modifications present, but how seamlessly integrated they are. There is no wasted space. Every component is installed with such precision, it appears to have been done at the factory as part of the original design. It’s an excellent display of craftsmanship. For work or play, it has it all.

About the Author: Christophe Noel

Christophe Noel is Expedition Portal's Editor and the Senior Editor for Overland Journal. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.